As a Nuclear Control Room Operator (known internally as a Reactor Operator), Robert explains that the role is centred on operating the power station safely from the Main Control Room.
"A Reactor Operator is responsible for operating and ensuring the safety of the power station from the Main Control Room," he says. "The role is responsible not only for nuclear safety, but also for the safety of personnel on the plant and the optimisation of plant performance, while keeping nuclear safety at the heart of every decision made. As a Duly Authorised Person (DAP), a Reactor Operator also has a duty to ensure the continued nuclear safety of the power station."
Although Robert is still completing his training, he is already excited by the nature of the role and the environment he will be working in.
"I love the dynamic working environment that the Main Control Room offers," he says. "Although only in the simulator so far, every day is exciting. Being a Reactor Operator is a continuous learning curve, and I love that I get to learn something new every day."
Robert had limited knowledge of the sector before applying. "I didn't study physics or engineering at university, and my knowledge of the nuclear industry was very limited," he explains. "That was something I wanted to improve. Although I didn't have the prior knowledge, I felt my traits and skillset were a good match for the role, so I applied."
One of the reasons EDF stood out to him was the accessibility of its graduate programme. "The graduate scheme was open to people from any degree discipline, which immediately attracted me," he says. "When I first applied, I knew very little about the nuclear industry, Hinkley Point C or engineering and physics more broadly. Once I learned about the scale and ambition of the project, my desire to join only grew."
He was also impressed by EDF's approach to recruitment. "The application process showed me that EDF prioritises finding people with the right attitude and behaviours, rather than only looking for specific degrees or previous experience. I think that's one of the reasons why the teams are so strong and diverse, not just in Operations but across the entire project."
Looking back, Robert says he would encourage anyone considering the role to embrace both the challenge and the opportunity it offers. "There’s a lot to learn, and there are moments when you're pushed outside your comfort zone, but if you focus on improving every day you'll get a huge amount from the experience," he says. "EDF is a fantastic company to work for and, if I could speak to my younger self, I'd tell him to apply sooner."
For Robert, being part of Hinkley Point C is about contributing to something much bigger than himself. "I love working on the HPC project," he says. "As a Reactor Operator, I'm proud to be helping develop the capability to safely and cleanly generate low-carbon electricity and contribute to the UK's future energy security. I'm also proud to be part of a project where everyone is working towards common goals and understands the significance of what we're building."
The opportunity to work alongside some of the industry's most experienced professionals is another reason he sees a long-term future with EDF. "I get the chance to work with industry-leading experts and continue developing my own career," he says. "EDF is full of talented people and is a leader in nuclear generation. Getting the opportunity to operate the largest nuclear reactor and steam turbine in the world is about as good as it gets."
Robert believes EDF's culture also sets it apart. "What distinguishes EDF is the pride people take in safety. Anyone can challenge something, regardless of their experience, background or role. That's incredibly important."
Before joining EDF, Robert studied Biology at the University of Bristol, where he developed an understanding of how complex systems operate and interact. Alongside his studies, he worked in a pub, a bakery and as a chef, gaining experience supervising shifts, working to strict safety standards and performing under pressure.
"Those experiences taught me how to work effectively as part of a team, deliver results under pressure and operate safely in demanding environments," he says. "Those skills are incredibly valuable as a Reactor Operator and can be transferred from many different industries."
The Reactor Operator training programme has been a key part of his development. "It has taken me from knowing virtually nothing about operating a nuclear reactor to operating one in the simulator across a range of normal and abnormal scenarios, including criticality, synchronising the turbine to the grid and responding to plant faults, all within just over a year," he says. "It's a brilliant opportunity to develop yourself and become part of a world-leading operations organisation."
The systems and fundamentals training helped build a strong foundation, but simulator training has been the highlight so far. "The systems and fundamentals courses really level the playing field and ensure everyone is equipped for the later stages of training," he explains. "They've massively enhanced my professional capability in the nuclear industry and helped me feel prepared for future progression."
"The simulator training takes things to another level. It introduces the realism of operational scenarios and plant challenges that the Control Room team must work through together. I love it and find myself completely immersed in the scenarios, often forgetting I'm not on the real plant yet."
Looking ahead, Robert is excited to complete his Reactor Operator training and put his skills into practice as the station moves towards operations. "Once I finish my Reactor Operator training next spring, I'm looking forward to using the skills I've developed to support the project and add value to whichever team I'm working in," he says. "Longer term, I'd love to continue developing my career within Operations as Hinkley Point C progresses through commissioning and into commercial operation. It's the best team I've worked in."
He also values the diverse and inclusive environment that exists across the project. "I think Hinkley Point C and our teams are built around a diverse and inclusive culture where people from all backgrounds can work together and feel comfortable."
When it comes to benefits, Robert highlights EDF's pension scheme as providing significant long-term value. "The pension scheme is excellent, with EDF contributing up to 15%, which helps support my financial security for the future."
For Robert, success is about perseverance, teamwork and achieving meaningful goals. "Success is achieving the goals you set out to accomplish, even when there are setbacks or complications along the way," he says. "It's something that's best achieved as part of a team. EDF supports that by bringing together diverse and talented people who work together towards shared success."
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